Genesis 41:27

KJV

And the seven thin and ill favoured kine that came up after them [are] seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the seven {H7651} thin {H7534} and ill favoured {H7451} kine {H6510} that came up {H5927} after them {H310} are seven {H7651} years {H8141}; and the seven {H7651} empty {H7386} ears {H7641} blasted {H7710} with the east wind {H6921} shall be seven {H7651} years {H8141} of famine {H7458}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Likewise the seven lean and miserable-looking cows that came up after them are seven years, and also the seven empty ears blasted by the east wind - there will be seven years of famine.

Berean Standard Bible

Moreover, the seven thin, ugly cows that came up after them are seven years, and so are the seven worthless heads of grain scorched by the east wind—they are seven years of famine.

American Standard Version

And the seven lean and ill-favored kine that came up after them are seven years, and also the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind; they shall be seven years of famine.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 41:27 concludes Joseph's divinely inspired interpretation of Pharaoh's two perplexing dreams, specifically clarifying the ominous second part of each dream. Following the explanation of the seven fat cows and seven full ears of corn as seven years of abundance, this verse reveals the impending seven-year period of severe famine that would inevitably follow the years of plenty, setting the stage for a critical period of national preparation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial component of Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams, which forms the climax of the narrative arc beginning with Joseph's imprisonment. Following the detailed description of Pharaoh's unsettling dreams in [Genesis 41:1-7](/genesis/41-1-7 "Pharaoh's Disturbing Dreams") and the initial explanation of the good years in [Genesis 41:25-26](/genesis/41-25-26 "Joseph Explains the Years of Plenty"), Genesis 41:27 completes the prophecy by interpreting the negative imagery. It directly links the "thin and ill favoured kine" and "empty ears blasted with the east wind" to the coming years of famine, providing the full scope of the divine revelation and leading directly to Joseph's counsel for preparation in [Genesis 41:33-36](/genesis/41-33-36 "Joseph's Counsel for Famine Preparation").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was an agrarian society heavily dependent on the annual flooding of the Nile River for its agricultural productivity. A disruption in this natural cycle, such as prolonged drought or pestilence, could lead to widespread famine, a recurring threat in the ancient Near East. The concept of "seven years" of plenty followed by "seven years" of famine would have been understood as a catastrophic, divinely ordained event, emphasizing the complete and devastating nature of the scarcity. The "east wind" (qadim) was a known meteorological phenomenon in the region, often a hot, dry, and destructive wind that could scorch crops, making its inclusion in the dream a culturally resonant symbol of desolation.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 41:27 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating God's ultimate control over natural phenomena and human history, revealing His plans to humanity through chosen vessels like Joseph. It highlights **Divine Revelation**, emphasizing God's communication to humanity, often through dreams and their interpretations, as a means of warning and guidance, as seen when Joseph states, "It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace" in [Genesis 41:16](/genesis/41-16 "Joseph's Humility and God's Power"). Furthermore, it foreshadows the theme of **Preservation and Deliverance**, as this warning of famine sets the stage for Joseph's elevation to power, which will ultimately lead to the preservation of his family, the nascent nation of Israel, during the severe famine described in [Genesis 42](/genesis/42 "Joseph's Brothers Come to Egypt").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 41:27 reads, "And the seven thin and ill favoured kine that came up after them [are] seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine." This verse provides the second, more ominous, half of Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams, directly linking the negative imagery to a devastating period of scarcity.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ill favoured (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From H7451, meaning "bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral); adversity, affliction, ... evil((-favouredness)...)." In this context, it describes the cows as not merely thin but also inherently displeasing, unsightly, and indicative of a severe, undesirable state. This emphasizes the dire nature of the coming years, which will be characterized by hardship and negative circumstances.
* **Empty (Hebrew, _rêyq'_):** From H7386, meaning "empty; figuratively, worthless." Applied to the ears of grain, this word vividly conveys their barrenness and lack of substance. It signifies a complete absence of yield, directly correlating to the lack of food and productivity during the famine years.
* **Blasted (Hebrew, _shâdaph'_):** From H7710, a primitive root meaning "to scorch; blast." This term describes the destructive effect of the east wind on the grain. It implies not merely a failure to grow, but an active, forceful destruction, as if the crops were withered and burned by an intense heat, underscoring the severity and destructive power of the impending famine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the seven thin and ill favoured kine that came up after them [are] seven years":** This clause directly interprets the second part of Pharaoh's first dream. The "seven thin and ill favoured kine" (cows) are explicitly equated with "seven years." The description "thin and ill favoured" vividly portrays the emaciated, unhealthy, and unsightly appearance of the cattle, symbolizing the devastating effects of scarcity and hunger that will characterize these years. The phrase "came up after them" signifies that these years of hardship will immediately follow the preceding seven years of abundance, highlighting the sequential nature of God's revealed plan.
* **"and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine":** This clause interprets the second part of Pharaoh's second dream, reinforcing and confirming the message of the first. The "seven empty ears" signify barrenness and a complete lack of agricultural produce, indicating crop failure. The crucial detail "blasted with the east wind" adds a layer of severity. In the ancient Near East, the *qadim* (east wind) was notorious for being a hot, dry, and destructive wind, capable of scorching vegetation and bringing desolation. This imagery powerfully underscores the severity, destructive nature, and widespread impact of the predicted famine, leaving no doubt about the barrenness and desolation it would bring to the land.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices to convey its prophetic message. **Symbolism** is central, as the "thin and ill favoured kine" and "empty ears blasted with the east wind" are not literal but symbolic representations of the coming famine. The **Repetition** of the number "seven" and the doubling of the dream's imagery (cows and ears of grain) for the same period of famine serves as a form of **Emphasis** and **Confirmation**, underscoring the certainty and divine origin of the prophecy, as Joseph himself explains in [Genesis 41:32](/genesis/41-32 "The Certainty of God's Word"). The phrase "blasted with the east wind" is a powerful piece of **Imagery**, evoking a vivid picture of desolation and destruction, appealing to the audience's understanding of the harsh realities of their climate and making the threat of famine palpable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 41:27 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign control over creation and history, revealing His plans to humanity not to cause despair, but to enable wise preparation and stewardship. This divine foresight highlights God's active involvement in human affairs, demonstrating that even seemingly natural disasters are under His ultimate purview. The consistency of the message across two distinct dreams underscores the certainty of God's word and His intention for it to be understood and acted upon. Joseph's role as the interpreter further emphasizes that God uses human agents, endowed with divine wisdom, to accomplish His purposes, ultimately setting the stage for the preservation of His covenant people.

* [Deuteronomy 28:23-24](/deuteronomy/28-23-24 "God's Control Over Rain and Famine")
* [Amos 4:6-9](/amos/4-6-9 "God's Warnings Through Famine and Scarcity")
* [Matthew 24:7](/matthew/24-7 "Famines as Signs of the End Times")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 41:27 offers profound insights into divine providence and human responsibility. Just as God warned Pharaoh through dreams, He often provides warnings or insights today through various means—whether through the timeless principles of Scripture, the unfolding of circumstances, or the wise counsel of others—enabling us to prepare for future challenges. The immediate implication of this prophecy was the urgent need for strategic planning and resource management during the years of plenty to mitigate the devastating impact of the famine. This principle of foresight, stewardship, and wise decision-making applies to all areas of life, encouraging us to live with intentionality and prudence, recognizing that seasons of abundance often precede seasons of scarcity. Even in the face of impending hardship, the narrative demonstrates God's overarching plan at work, using Joseph's wisdom not only to save Egypt but ultimately to preserve the nascent nation of Israel, reminding us to trust in God's sovereign hand, even when circumstances seem dire or uncertain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage encourage us to prepare for future challenges, both physical and spiritual?**
* **In what ways does God communicate warnings or guidance to us today, and how can we be more attentive to them?**
* **What does Joseph's response to the prophecy teach us about faithful stewardship and trust in God's providence?**

### FAQ
**Why did Pharaoh have two dreams with the same meaning?**

Answer: Joseph himself provides the answer in [Genesis 41:32](/genesis/41-32 "The Certainty of God's Word"), explaining that "the doubling of the dream means that the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass." The repetition served to emphasize the absolute certainty and the imminent nature of the coming events. It was a divine confirmation, ensuring Pharaoh understood the urgency and the undeniable origin of the message, leaving no room for doubt about its truth or the need for immediate action.

**What is the significance of the "east wind" in this context?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, particularly in Egypt, the "east wind" (Hebrew: *qadim*) was often associated with hot, dry, and destructive weather patterns. Unlike a gentle breeze, it was known for its ability to scorch vegetation, wither crops, and bring desolation to the land. Its inclusion in Pharaoh's dream and Joseph's interpretation vividly portrays the extreme severity and destructive nature of the predicted famine. It indicates that the crops would not merely fail to grow due to lack of water, but would be actively withered and destroyed by a powerful, natural force, underscoring the comprehensive and devastating impact of the seven years of scarcity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph, endowed with divine wisdom, served as a providential deliverer and preserver, saving not only the nation of Egypt but, more significantly, his own family—the nascent nation of Israel—from certain death by famine. This pivotal role profoundly foreshadows the ultimate work of Christ. Just as Joseph strategically prepared for and provided abundant sustenance during a time of great physical scarcity, Jesus Christ, through His perfect life, atoning sacrifice, and glorious resurrection, provides eternal spiritual sustenance and salvation from the far more devastating famine of sin and spiritual death. He is the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus is the Bread of Life")) who ensures that all who come to Him will never hunger spiritually, and the "living water" ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "Jesus Offers Living Water")) that quenches eternal thirst. Christ's work fulfills a greater spiritual need than any physical provision could, demonstrating God's ultimate plan to preserve His people through His Son, the true and greater Joseph, who saves His people from their sins ([Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Jesus Will Save His People")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 8:1

¶ Then spake Elisha unto the woman, whose son he had restored to life, saying, Arise, and go thou and thine household, and sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn: for the LORD hath called for a famine; and it shall also come upon the land seven years.

2 Samuel 24:19

And David, according to the saying of Gad, went up as the LORD commanded.